The seafood restaurants in Cornwall are among the best in the world thanks to the quality of seafood they have access to, the talented chefs who cook it, and the wonderful settings that it’s served in.
On a daily basis, Cornwall’s fishermen unload treasure troves of fresh crab, lobster, sea bass, Cornish sole, mussels and lots more from their boats. The top-quality produce will be in the kitchens of the county’s top restaurants by breakfast time – and on the diners’ plates for lunch. Having grown up eating such great seafood – or having moved to Cornwall to work because of it – Cornwall’s chefs are expert at preparing it so that its freshness and quality still shine through.
For locals and visitors alike, there’s something special about being able to walk along a quayside, smelling the salty air and watching the boats, then later tucking in to the catch that’s been landed at that very spot. Got a yearning for a dish of some of the best seafood in the world? Here’s our choice of the top 5 places to eat seafood in Cornwall.
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Rock
Of course we have to start with Cornwall’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. Such is its focus on seafood that Restaurant Nathan Outlaw provides just one seafood tasting menu for diners, featuring dishes that use absolutely top-notch seafood, caught off the Cornish coast by day boats.
Sample dish Cured brill, grapes, almonds and wild garlic
Nearest Travelodge hotel Wadebridge
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
No apology for featuring Nathan Outlaw’s newest restaurant too – because his Port Isaac offering, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, is totally different. The menu’s a bit more accessible, but very exciting: a selection of small plates (think Cornish tapas) intended for sharing, and what’s on the menu depends on what’s been landed outside the window that day.
Sample dish Seafood salad: octopus, cuttlefish, mussels, cockles, anchovies and Doom Bar bread
Nearest Travelodge hotel Wadebridge
The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow
Rick Stein’s famous The Seafood Restaurant has been attracting foodies to Cornwall for many years, and still stands up well to the newer offerings. Great for both special occasion dining and a more relaxed lunch (perch at the informal sashimi bar), it has great harbour views, and the dishes are inspired by Rick’s travels.
Sample dish Lobster and fennel risotto with lemon oil
Nearest Travelodge hotel Wadebridge
Driftwood Restaurant, Portscatho
Another Michelin-starred Cornish restaurant, Driftwood is a fabulous place to spend a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner. Of course, the vast majority of its fish and shellfish come from Cornish waters, and the atmosphere is perfectly offset by the stunning sea views. This is a great place to bring budding foodies too: they’re very welcoming to children.
Sample dish Roast cod, heritage carrots, blood orange and crab bisque emulsion
Nearest Travelodge Hotel St Austell
Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, Padstow
Paul’s been featured on TV for his amazingly creative – and delicious – puddings (remember ‘Fairground’ from Great British Menu?) but his seafood is something else. His restaurant, Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, is also in Padstow, but is a little cosier and more experimental than the town’s more famous restaurant – which has earned it a Michelin star.
Sample dish Day boat monkfish, grampound road duckling, clear peking broth, ‘PYO’ salad
Nearest Travelodge hotel Wadebridge
